Im thinking about switching all the components from this Miyata over to this Panasonic, only because my wife wants the Panasonic and hates the Miyata, the Panasonic would end up a three speed and the Miyata would end up in the junk pile, but she wants a single speed or three speed at most, and really likes the Panasonic, not to mention all the cool lightweight parts on the Miyata would make the Panasonic a nice ride. Please let me know your thoughts on this

That fork looks kind dangerous.

That Miyata is a way better bike for geting around Philly IMHO. What does she not like about it? Also the Panasonic fork is is beyond repair or worth repairing. YMMV.

USAZorro, Yeah, the fork is way bent but I have a replacment. fender1, The Miyata is without a doubt an all around better bike, I dont know what she doesnt like about it? she has a weird taste, she married me so I know this to be true! oh, what does YMMV stand for?

Your Milage May Vary. As in, its just my opinion, your's may differ.

Dump the Panasonic (doesn't have nice lines either, not to mention the fact that you'll have to swap the fork), and polish the hell out of the Miyata - Meguiars Scratch X and Flitz metal polish. She'll like it once it is nice, bright and clean.

-Kurt

I think she prefers the Panasonic mostly because it's pink. But her reasoning really doesn't matter. You're putting the bike together for her, not for us. If you try to cram the Miyata down her throat, or even breathe a word suggesting that the "experts" on this forum disagree with her, you'll be making a big mistake.

I hope the new fork is chromed, or that you have access to some matching pink paint.

...or is it the fenders/lights/chain gaurd that she doesn't like? Looks really "big/bulky", maybe she wants something more sporty.
Or would all of that be going onto the panasonic?

Hmmmm, what to do? what to do? I think Im going to offer up the clean and polished Miyata again, if she still doesnt like it Ill swap everything over to the Panasonic, she'll be happy and everything will be good in the world again! Thanks all for the opinions

I think GCRyder is partially correct (she likes the Panasonic because it's pink), and chevy42083 is also partially correct--it looks too big/bulky. I know that although we may admire the chainguard, I would also think of it as too clunky looking. It's not the lights/mudguards that are so bad, it's the whole picture.

Clean and polish the Miyata (minus the chainguard) and see if that doesn't entice her. Also, perhaps she's like me, and would prefer drops to the more upright posture?

East Hill

If she wants the pink one do the pink one. If she wants a single speed just find a kids single speed and put the single speed cassette on the panasonic. I made 2 single speeds that way and thay work fine. That miyata chain guard sure does look clunky , extra when you put it with the fenders and front rack.

Or try to find another bike as a donor for the Panasonic. I think the Miyata is unique enough that it would be a shame to see it parted out. But that's just my opinion...of course your wife's is more important!

In addition to the above speculation, maybe she also prefers the drop bars? As for the chainguard, let her ride a couple of your more well used (dirty) bikes and get some grease on her legs, then maybe she'll appreciate it more!

My wife turns her nose up at most of what I bring home, but it usually only takes new bar tape to have her change her opinion. Too bad the Miyata uses grips!

My fiance would love that Miyata. If you're going to junk it I would be more than happy to pay for shipping to VA.

Rob

Now MY wife would love that Miyata. I built up a Trek 600 for her, and couldn't get her to ride it more than a mile or so, even after removing the toeclips, TRIPLE-wrapping the bars with cork, adding those "Silver" bar-end shifters... no go. The Miyata looks like some sort of cool Dutch cruiserbike. Comfy. But how do these bikes get so rusty???

Ok , I want the front rack. I can be back home in philly in 75 minutes

Though the Miyata is in slightly rougher cosmetic condion, I would stick with it. The frame (at least the main triangle) is made of CrMo while the Panasonic is likely hi-tensile. So the Miyata frame should be a bit lighter. Plus you avoid the hassle of changing the parts and having to deal with fitting a new fork. My concern with the Miyata is the condition of those spokes.

If you guys that are near Philly really want it, make me an offer in trade, itll save me from having to build a bike for my wife, some spokes on the Miyata are rather rusty, but how hard would it be to replace them? Id also be interested in a trade for parts, let me know (forgot to mention, she HATES the Miyata!LOL!)

how does that rack go on ? Are there mounts on the fork? When ever you posty photos I get homesick. The smoke stack, the weeds around the stop sign, the row house with awnings. I spent a lot of years in a row house with green awnings.

The top mount is a threaded boss on the fork crown, while the lower is a tab brazed onto the fork blade. Much more solid than clamps, with no slipping when heavily loaded. Typical Miyata attention to details.

T-Mars description is correct it also has a tab thats gets screwed onto the front fender, pretty cool looking if you ask me

I have bashed my Philly in the past (I know your not tolfan) but in reality its the city I love, its been my home since the day I was born, although I plan on leaving it some day, Im glad its not today, its going to be a hard thing to do as Ive given many years of service to her, and my kids will more than likely stay here when we go, but what the h***, a person has got to move on

Heres what it looks like so far, got the rear flip flop wheel on it, single speed front chainring, and a chrome fork, fork looks rusty but its the flash playing tricks, its got some surface rust but only tiny spots here and there, I have to replace the seat and post, pedals, front wheel and tire, and cut down the fork tube, then Ill clean her up and its all done

So you decided not to use the miyata as parts?

Yep, After all the advice to keep it whole Ive decided to keep the Miyata complete Ive picked the junk piles of friends and local bike shops to get the Panasonic as it is, but as I mentioned, its still got a little ways to go

Are you going with pink bar tape? I know bigbossman was planning on doing pink tape for his daughter's ride, but I haven't seen it yet.